Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture.
Aikisha Reeves started her college journey at DVC as a high school graduate in 1999 but an unexpected event cut that journey short. “My first attempt at DVC ended abruptly because I unexpectedly went into premature labor.” Aikisha’s priorities naturally needed to shift when she became a young mother caring for a premature baby. It was almost fifteen years later that Aikisha decided to give DVC another try. “I was seeking a career change but found that advancement opportunities were very narrow without a proper degree so, my desire to further my education evolved.”
While attending Ygnacio Valley High School, Ivan Hernandez learned about DVC’s award-winning transfer programs. After hearing that he could complete two years of classes at the college and receive dedicated support with transferring to a university to finish his bachelor’s degree, he was sold. “I found out that DVC provides lots of different resources to students to pursue higher education. It became clear that it’s a great place to learn and explore.”
As a high school senior, Stephanie Ramos Navarro had no idea what she wanted out of life. She was certain that she wanted to pursue an education but was unclear which direction to take. And she was about to be the first (out of 32 grandchildren) in her family to set foot on a college campus. After sharing her uncertainty and fears with her teachers at Ygnacio Valley High School, she was guided to DVC. “They helped me understand my alternatives, and within a few months, I registered as a full-time student.”
A lifelong artist and educator, professor Gaby Wolodarski brings a dynamic blend of creativity, craftsmanship and community connection to DVC’s San Ramon campus.
In March 2022, students from Diablo Valley College participated in the 46th Chinese Mandarin Speech Contest which was held virtually. The contest is hosted by The Chinese Language Teachers Association of California (CLTAC). CLTAC is the largest nonprofit association of its kind in the country with a mission to promote the study, teaching, and research of the Chinese language and culture on all educational levels.
DVC launched a new initiative to help undocumented students earn money for college while developing themselves as community service leaders. Participants in the Dreamers Leadership Development Program complete community service hours, and may also qualify for the CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant.